Hello everyone!

Hope you had a great weekend!  Just wanted to remind you that this week's training strategy should be REST!  This is not the week to try to squeeze in extra mileage. Be sure to rest your legs, get plenty of sleep, maybe a massage, and start "carbing up" for the weekend.  Between Monday -Wed, consider getting on a spin bike and just doing an easy work out, spin your legs with tension of "1-3".  Or grab a quick training ride over lunch or after work of 10-15 miles of  flat terrain and easy spinning.  Be sure to REST after Wednesday. No riding at all for 2 days prior to the ride.

So what will you do with yourself instead of riding?  Well consider getting a head start on your packing. Don't wait until the night before.  Below you will find a "TO BRING" list that you might find helpful. 

MS 150 PACKING LIST   

 Items to Bring on the Tour

• Helmet – REQUIRED
• Rider Numbers and wristband – REQUIRED
• VALERO Wrist band – Gives you access to the Velo Valero team tent and meals
• Team whistle and body tattoos (Show your team spirit all during the ride!)
• Padded bike shorts, Velo Valero jersey & socks
• Cycling gloves and shoes
• Sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen
• Tire patch kit, spare tubes and
• Air source (pump or several CO2 air cartridges)
• Identification (driver’s license)
• Medical Insurance Card
• Velo Valero IMPORTANT #s card (Neon green)
• Emergency cash and credit card
• Water bottles/hydration pack
• GUs, Nutrition Bars, or favorite snacks
• Medications
• Rain poncho (or a large HEFTY bag)
• Camera and film

In Overnight Bag:

• Tent and camping gear  (For outdoor campers only)
  • Hammer for tent pegs
  • Foam or air mattress/air pump
  • Sleeping Bag/Pillow
  • Flashlight
• Sleeping bag and pillow (For gym floor squatters)
• Travel alarm clock
• Towel(s) for shower
• Toiletries including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and bug repellent
• Toothbrush, hairbrush, hairdryer
• Medications
• BUTT BUTTER!!
• Quarters for laundry  
• Travel size laundry detergent to rinse out jersey and shorts
• Comfortable clothes/shoes for Saturday evening.  Please show your team spirit by wearing your green Velo Valero Team T-shirt!
• Plastic cover/bag for bike seat on Saturday night
• Riding clothes for Sunday
• Change of clothes for bus trip home

To keep your items dry, put all items in a garbage bag and smaller items in zipper-sealed plastic bags before placing them in your luggage. 

Please note that there is a limit of two bags per rider with a maximum weight of 35 pounds each.

Talk to you soon!

 Laura